Transcervical Blunt Dissection for Substernal Goiter Avoiding Sternotomy: a Case Report

Abstract

A substernal goiter is defined as an inferior extension of the thyroid gland beyond the thoracic inlet. When symptoms develop, surgical resection plays a crucial role in management. However, unlike typical cervical goiters, substernal goiters pose significant challenges to complete resection due to limited surgical accessibility, often necessitating invasive approaches such as sternotomy. This report presents a case of successful transcervical removal of a substernal goiter using meticulous finger dissection, thereby avoiding the need for sternotomy. With appropriate patient selection, a minimally invasive transcervical approach may serve as a safe and effective alternative for managing substernal goiters.